Data communication system and method for communicating data in a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A data communication system for a vehicle includes an interface gateway device that is configured to be communicatively coupled with a data acquisition module and a client module. The interface gateway device is further configured to receive a value of a data parameter related to operation of the vehicle from the data acquisition module and to communicate the value to the client module for performing a function for the vehicle. The interface gateway device also is configured to determine when either of the data acquisition module or the client module is communicatively coupled with the interface gateway device and to implement respective communication configurations associated with the data acquisition module or the client module to receive the value of the data parameter from the data acquisition module or communicate the value of the data parameter to the client module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/496,353, filed Jun. 13, 2011, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Certain vehicles (e.g., powered vehicles or vehicle consists) includecommunication systems that periodically obtain measurements related tothe health, operations, or control of the vehicle. For example,locomotives in a rail vehicle consist (“consist” referring to a group ofvehicles linked to travel together along a route, including possiblecoordinated control by one or more wired and/or wireless connections)may include communication systems that periodically receive measurementsrelated to operations of the locomotive, such as speed, horsepower,temperature, brake pressure measurements, and the like. Thesemeasurements represent data parameters of the vehicle, and the values ofthe data parameters may periodically change. For example, measurementsof speed of a traction motor may be a first data parameter, measurementsof brake pressures may be a second data parameter, and so on.

The values of the data parameters may be requested and used bycomputerized services or applications running on the vehicle and/orrunning off-board the vehicle. These services or applications performvarious functions based on the data parameters. For example, theservices or applications may control tractive operations and/or brakingoperations of the vehicle, monitor performance of the vehicle over time,record events of the vehicle, and the like. The systems that acquire thedata parameters and that are native to the vehicle, such as the systemsthat are initially installed in the vehicle, may use a communicationprotocol to form and communicate data messages that include the valuesof the data parameters. Other services or applications may use adifferent communication protocol that uses a different format tocommunicate and/or use the data messages that include the dataparameters.

The different protocols used to communicate with the various systems,services, and applications can require different communicationconfigurations to be used. For example, in order for a single device tocommunicate with systems, services, and/or applications using differentcommunication protocols, the single device may need to have differentcommunication configurations stored thereon. The communicationconfigurations can dictate the rules and criteria used for communicatingwith the systems, services, and/or applications according to thedifferent protocols.

In some known vehicles, in order to allow for communication between adevice and the systems, services, and/or applications that use differentprotocols to communicate, the various communication configurations mustbe previously stored on-board the device and the device must be manuallyconfigured to communicate with the systems, services, and/orapplications. If one or more systems, services, or applications arechanged or swapped out, the configuration of the device may need to bemanually re-configured to allow for communication between the device anda new system, service, or application that uses a different protocol.

A need exists for a system and method that allows for different systems,services, applications, and the like in a vehicle and using differentcommunication protocols to communicate with a device without requiringthe manual re-configuration of the device each time a system, service,application, and the like, using a different communication protocol, isadded to the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a data communication system for a vehicle includes aninterface gateway device that is configured to be communicativelycoupled with a data acquisition module and a client module. Theinterface gateway device is further configured to receive a value of adata parameter related to operation of the vehicle from the dataacquisition module and to communicate the value to the client module forperforming a function for the vehicle. The interface gateway device alsois configured to determine when either of the data acquisition module orthe client module is communicatively coupled with the interface gatewaydevice and to implement respective communication configurationsassociated with the data acquisition module or the client module toreceive the value of the data parameter from the data acquisition moduleor communicate the value of the data parameter to the client module.

In another embodiment, a data communication system for a vehicle isprovided. The system includes an interface gateway device that isconfigured to be communicatively coupled with a data acquisition moduleand with a client module. The interface gateway device is furtherconfigured to receive a value of a data parameter related to operationof the vehicle from the data acquisition module and to communicate thevalue to the client module for performing a function for the vehicle.The interface gateway device also is configured, upon systeminitialization of the interface gateway device, to cycle through aplurality of communication protocols available to the interface gatewaydevice, at each of a plurality of communication links of the interfacegateway device, until the interface gateway device has determined thatthe data acquisition module and the client module are communicativelycoupled with the interface gateway device and has identified first andsecond communication protocols of the plurality of communicationprotocols that enable the interface gateway device to communicate withthe data acquisition module and the client module, respectively.

In another embodiment, a method for communicating data in a vehicle isprovided. The method includes monitoring one or more input/output portsfor a communication link with a device, determining an identity of thedevice that is communicatively coupled with the one or more input/outputports by the communication link, selecting a communication configurationassociated with the device based on the identity of the device, andusing the communication configuration to communicate with the device.

In another embodiment, a computer readable storage medium for a vehiclehaving a processor is provided. The computer readable storage mediumincludes one or more sets of instructions that direct the processor tomonitor one or more input/output ports for a communication link with adevice, determine an identity of the device that is communicativelycoupled with the one or more input/output ports by the communicationlink, select a communication configuration associated with the devicebased on the identity of the device, and communicate with the deviceaccording to the communication configuration.

In another embodiment, a data communication system for a vehicle isprovided. The system includes a data acquisition module, a clientmodule, and an interface gateway module. The data acquisition module isconfigured to obtain a value of a data parameter related to operation ofthe vehicle. The client module is configured to use the value of thedata parameter to perform a function for the vehicle. The interfacegateway device is configured to be communicatively coupled with at leastone of the data acquisition module or the client module by one or morecommunication links. The interface gateway device is further configuredto communicate the value from the data acquisition module to the clientmodule. The interface gateway device also is configured to determinewhen the at least one of the data acquisition module or the clientmodule is communicatively coupled with the interface gateway device andto implement a communication configuration associated with the at leastone of the data acquisition module or the client module to communicatethe value of the data parameter to the at least one of the dataacquisition module or the client module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a vehicle datacommunication system disposed on-board a powered vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interface gateway device shown inFIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another schematic illustration of the interface gateway deviceshown in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for communicatingdata in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing brief description, as well as the following detaileddescription of certain embodiments of the inventive subject matter, willbe better understood when read in conjunction with the appendeddrawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of thefunctional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are notnecessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitry. Thus,for example, one or more of the functional blocks (for example,processors or memories) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware(for example, a general purpose signal processor, microcontroller,random access memory, hard disk, and the like). Similarly, the programsmay be stand alone programs, may be incorporated as subroutines in anoperating system, may be functions in an installed software package, andthe like. The various embodiments are not limited to the arrangementsand instrumentality shown in the drawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralof said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present inventivesubject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding theexistence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recitedfeatures. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary,embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality ofelements having a particular property may include additional suchelements not having that property.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a vehicle datacommunication system 100 disposed on-board a powered vehicle 102. In theillustrated embodiment, the vehicle 102 is illustrated as a railvehicle, such as a locomotive. Alternatively, the vehicle 102 may beanother type of rail vehicle (such as a non-powered cargo car) or anon-rail vehicle, such as a different type of off-highway vehicle (OHV)or other vehicle. The system 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as being disposedentirely on-board the single vehicle 102. Alternatively, the system 100may be distributed among several interconnected vehicles, such as bybeing partially disposed on each of several vehicles that include thevehicle 102 and that are mechanically coupled in a consist or othergroup.

The system 100 manages the acquisition and distribution of data relatedto operations of the vehicle 102 among devices disposed on-board and/oroff-board the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 includes one or morecomponents 104 and/or subsystems 106 that perform various operations ofthe vehicle 102. While only one component 104 and one subsystem 106 areshown in the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 may include agreater number or none of one or more of the component 104 and/orsubsystem 106. By way of example, the components 104 and/or subsystems106 of the vehicle 102 may represent a propulsion subsystem thatgenerates tractive effort for the vehicle 102 to propel itself (e.g., asubsystem that includes one or more traction motors), a brakingsubsystem that generates braking effort for the vehicle 102 to slow downor stop itself from moving, a wireless communication system that is usedto communicate with another vehicle or system outside of the vehicle 102(e.g., a radio transceiver with antenna), a sensor that obtains datarelated to the vehicle 102 (e.g., a brake air pressure sensor, a fuelgauge, a cargo sensor, a global positioning system receiver, or thelike), a device that receives input from an operator of the vehicle 102to control the vehicle 102, and the like. The previous list provides anon-limiting example of the types of components 104 and/or subsystems106 that may be used. In one embodiment, any device, sensor, system,subsystem, memory, module, assembly, processor, or the like may be usedas the component 104 and/or subsystem 106. One or more of the components104 and/or subsystems 106 may be disposed off-board the vehicle 102,such as by being disposed on-board another vehicle that is mechanicallycoupled or interconnected with the vehicle 102 (e.g., a mechanicallylinked other vehicle in a rail vehicle consist).

The component 104 and subsystem 106 are operably coupled with controllerdevices 108 (e.g., “Controller #1” and “Controller #2”). As used herein,the term “operably coupled” includes two or more controllers, devices,sensors, systems, subsystems, assemblies, processors, memories, modules,or the like that are connected by one or more wired and/or wirelesscommunication links, such as cables, busses, other conductive pathways(e.g., copper wires), wireless networks, fiber optic cables, and thelike, such as to enable communication of data therebetween. Thecontroller devices 108 are generally referred to by the reference number108 and individually referred to by the reference numbers 108 a and 108b. While two controller devices 108 are shown, alternatively, a smalleror larger number of controller devices 108 may be provided.

The controller devices 108 interface with the components 104 and/orsubsystems 106 to obtain values of one or more data parameters from thecomponents 104 and/or subsystems 106. The controller devices 108 mayinclude one or more electronic devices that obtain values of one or moreof the data parameters from the components 104 and/or subsystems 106. Inone embodiment, one or more of the controller devices 108 may directoperations of the components 104 and/or subsystems 106. The controllerdevices 108 can include sensors that obtain one or more of the dataparameters from the components 104 and/or subsystems 106, processors orother logic-based devices, along with associated circuitry, that monitorand/or control the components 104 and/or subsystems 106, and the like.

The data parameters obtained by the controller devices 108 representdata values related to operations of the vehicle 102. As used herein,the term “operations” can refer to performance of the vehicle 102 (e.g.,related to actions and events performed in propelling goods and/orpassengers), control of the vehicle 102 (e.g., throttle and/or brakesettings), and/or health conditions of the vehicle 102 (e.g., a statusof the vehicle 102 such as whether maintenance is required for thevehicle 102 or one or more components 104 and/or subsystems 106 aremalfunctioning).

For example, if the subsystem 106 includes a propulsion subsystem thatincludes one or more traction motors and/or a sensor operably coupledwith the propulsion subsystem, the controller device 108 b may obtainmeasurements of horsepower generated by the traction motors,measurements of wheel slippage of the wheels connected to the tractionmotors, temperatures measurements of bearings, wheels, and/or axlesinterconnected with the traction motors, and the like. If the subsystem106 includes a braking subsystem that includes air brakes and/orregenerative brakes, the controller device 108 b may obtain measurementsof air pressure in the air brakes and/or reservoirs connected to the airbrakes, measurements of current obtained from the regenerative brakes,settings of the air brakes and/or regenerative brakes, and the like. Ifthe component 104 includes an antenna that is used to communicate withanother vehicle or system outside of the vehicle 102, then thecontroller device 108 a can obtain data parameters representative ofwhich communication channels are being used, quality of service (QoS)measurements of communication over the antenna, and the like. If thecomponent 104 includes a sensor, then the controller device 108 a canobtain data parameters representative of quantities measured or sensedby the sensor. The above provides a non-exclusive set of data parametersthat can be obtained by the controller devices 108. One or more othertypes of data parameters that relate to operations of the vehicle 102may be obtained.

The controller devices 108 are operably coupled with data acquisitionmodules 110 (e.g., “Source #1” and “Source #2”). As used herein, theterm “module” includes a hardware and/or software system that operatesto perform one or more functions. For example, a module may include acomputer processor, controller, or other logic-based device thatperforms operations based on instructions stored on a tangible andnon-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computermemory. Alternatively, a module may include a hard-wired device thatperforms operations based on hard-wired logic of the device. The modulesshown in the attached figures may represent the hardware that operatesbased on software or hardwired instructions, the software that directshardware to perform the operations, or a combination thereof.

The data acquisition modules 110 are generally referred to by thereference number 110 and individually referred to by the referencenumbers 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c. While two data acquisition modules 110are shown, alternatively, a smaller or larger number of data acquisitionmodules 110 may be provided. The data acquisition modules 110 interfacewith the controller devices 108 to acquire the values of the dataparameters obtained by the controller devices 108 from the components104 and/or subsystems 106. While each of the data acquisition modules110 is shown as only interfacing or communicating with a singlecontroller device 108, alternatively, one or more of the dataacquisition modules 110 may interface with a plurality of the controllerdevices 108.

In the system 100, the data acquisition modules 110 may be referred toas “sources” of the available data parameters as the data acquisitionmodules 110 acquire the data parameters from the controller devices 108and produce the data parameters for consumption (e.g., use) by one ormore other parts of the system 100, such as client modules 114 describedbelow.

The data acquisition modules 110 are operably coupled with an interfacegateway device 112 (“Interface Gateway”) in the illustrated embodiment.The interface gateway device 112 manages and controls the distributionof the data parameters through the system 100, as described in moredetail below. For example, the interface gateway device 112 may act asan information gateway between a back end portion 116 of the system 100and a front end portion 118 of the system 100. The back end portion 116of the system 100 can generate the data that is used by the front endportion 118 of the system 100 to perform one or more functions, asdescribed below. For example, the back end portion 116 can obtain valuesof the data parameters that are communicated via the interface gatewaydevice 112 to the client modules 114, which use the values to performvarious functions.

The back end portion 116 acquires the values of the data parameters asdata and conveys the data in electronic messages (e.g., signals) to theinterface gateway device 112. The interface gateway device 112 canreceive the data via the messages and communicate the data to the clientmodules 114.

The client modules 114 (“Client #1” “Client #2,” and “Client #3”) areoperably coupled with the interface gateway device 112. The clientmodules 114 are generally referred to by the reference number 114 andindividually referred to by the reference numbers 114 a, 114 b, 114 c.While three client modules 114 are shown, alternatively, a smaller orlarger number of client modules 114 may be provided. The client modules114 perform functions based on, or by using, at least some of the dataparameters. For example, the client modules 114 interface with theinterface gateway device 112 to receive the values of the dataparameters from the interface gateway device 112. The client modules 114send requests for data parameters to the interface gateway device 112and may wait for a response from the interface gateway device 112 thatincludes the values of the data parameters. The client modules 114 mayinclude or alternatively may be referred to as subscriber modules, whichare “listening” devices that obtains the values of the data parametersused by the module by joining an address or a group, such as by issuinga “join” request to the interface gateway device 112 that joins themodule to a multicast IP address. The interface gateway device 112 mayperiodically multicast the values of the data parameters to the IPaddress and the modules that subscribe to the IP address can receive thevalues. As described above, the client modules 114 may receive the datarepresentative of the values of the data parameters in a format that isdifferent from the format used by the back end portion 116 due to thegateway interface device 112 converting the format of the data.

A variety of functions related to operations of the vehicle 102 may beperformed by the client modules 114. By way of example, a client module114 may provide a digital video recorder (e.g., a locomotive digitalvideo recorder or LDVR provided by General Electric Company) thatobtains video recordings based on the data parameters (e.g., the dataparameters may indicate when and/or where to record video). As anotherexample, a client module 114 may provide asset tracking services (e.g.,asset tracking system or ATS provided by General Electric Company) thatmonitors locations of assets (e.g., non-powered units and/or cargo suchas goods and/or passengers) being propelled or conveyed by the vehicle102 based on the data parameters.

A client module 114 may provide control services that control operationsof the vehicle 102 and/or one or more other vehicles coupled orinterconnected with the vehicle 102. For example, a client module 114may use the data parameters to control the tractive efforts (e.g., bycontrolling throttle settings) provided by a propulsion subsystem of thevehicle 102 and/or to control braking efforts (e.g., by controllingbrake settings) provided by brakes of the vehicle 102. The client module114 may be part of a positive train control (PTC) system or adistributed power (DP) system that controls the tractive efforts and/orbraking efforts of the vehicle 102 and/or one or more other poweredunits and/or non-powered units of a consist 100 (shown in FIG. 1) basedon the data parameters. Alternatively, one or more of the client modules114 may provide an energy management application that controls tractiveeffort and/or braking effort of the vehicle 102 (and/or one or moreother powered units or vehicles of a consist 100) based on the dataparameters. For example, a client module 114 may control throttlesettings and/or brake settings based on a variety of factors representedby the data parameters, such as the types (e.g., horsepower provided) ofpowered units in a consist 100, the weight of cargo carried by theconsist 100, the grade and/or curvature of a track that the vehicle 102travels along, a geographic location obtained by a GPS receiver, and thelike, in order to reduce fuel consumption by the consist 100. Oneexample of such an energy management application may be the TripOptimizer™ system provided by General Electric Company.

Other examples of a function provided by the client modules 114 caninclude control of cab signaling of a rail vehicle, an event recorderthat monitors and records events related to operation of the vehicle102, a location recorder that determines a geographic location of thevehicle 102 based on GPS sensor data received by a GPS receiver as adata parameter, fuel monitoring, radio monitoring, a visual display ofoperations or conditions of one or more components 104 and/or subsystems106 of the vehicle 102, and the like. The above examples are providedfor illustration and are not intended to be limiting on all embodimentsof the presently described subject matter.

In one embodiment, the interface gateway device 112 may use differentcommunication configurations for communicating with different components104, subsystems 106, and/or client modules 114. A communicationconfiguration may specify the parameters and settings used tocommunicate data messages between two devices, such as between theinterface gateway device 112 and one or more of the data acquisitionmodules 110 and/or client modules 114. For example, a communicationconfiguration may specify a communication protocol to be used tocommunicate the data messages between the devices. A “communicationprotocol” includes a set of one or more formats and/or rules forexchanging messages between the devices. Different communicationprotocols may use different types of signaling mechanisms,authentication techniques, error detection mechanisms, messagecorrection techniques, and the like. A communication protocol may definethe format, semantics, and/or synchronization of messages betweendevices using the protocol. A format of a communication protocol canrepresent the syntax in which data is recorded, read, and/orcommunicated between the devices in messages. For example, the format ofa communication protocol may be based on a syntax of the protocol, suchas one or more rules that define how various combinations of symbols,alphanumeric text, binary bits (e.g., 0's and 1's), and the like, arecombined and used to represent and communicate data between atransmitter and a recipient that are communicating using the protocol.

A communication configuration may specify a sequence of how messages areexchanged between devices. For example, a first communicationconfiguration may involve a message “handshake” between the devices inorder to communicate between the devices. A message handshake caninclude two-sided messaging, such as a first device sending a firstmessage to a second device and the second device sending a secondmessage, such as a response or confirmation of receipt of the firstmessage, to the first device. A different, second communicationconfiguration may not require a message handshake, and instead maypermit or provide for one-sided messaging. One-sided messaging caninclude a first device sending a first message to a second devicewithout a second message being sent back to the first device from thesecond device.

In one embodiment, a communication configuration can include a list orset of one or more data parameters that are to be communicated orpublished to a device. For example, one or more client modules 114 maybe associated with a communication configuration that specifies apredetermined list or set of data parameters. The values of the dataparameters in the list or set can be published or transmitted to theclient modules 114 that use the communication configuration via theinterface gateway device 112. Different communication configurations caninclude different lists or sets of data parameters that are to bepublished.

A communication configuration can include a list or set of one or moredata parameters that are available for communication or publication to adevice. For example, not all data parameters that are obtained by thecontroller devices 108 may be available to all client modules 114 due toreasons of incompatibility, security, and the like. The communicationconfiguration for a client module 114 may specify a subset of the dataparameters that are obtained by the controller devices 108. For example,if the controller devices 108 obtain a set of one hundred dataparameters, the communication configuration for a client module 114 mayonly include a subset of ten of the data parameters. The set of dataparameters that are obtained by the controller devices 108 may bereferred to as the “available data parameters.” The communicationconfiguration can limit the publication or communication of dataparameters to the client module 114 to the subset of the available dataparameters defined by the communication configuration.

In one embodiment, a communication configuration may specify whether alog or record is to be kept of the activities of the interface gatewaydevice 112 and/or the device communicating with the interface gatewaydevice 112. For example, the communication configuration may listactivities, such as the data parameters, communication errors, requestsfor data parameters, and the like, that are transmitted by a dataacquisition module 110 or client module 114 to the interface gatewaydevice 112 and/or transmitted from the interface gateway device 112 to adata acquisition module 110 or client module 114.

The communication configurations associated with different dataacquisition modules 110, client modules 114, or other components ordevices of the system 100 may be stored as configuration files on acomputer readable storage medium, such as a hard disc, flash drive, RAM,ROM, CD, DVD, or other type of memory, that is accessible by theinterface gateway device 112. As described below, the interface gatewaydevice 112 can monitor which data acquisition modules 110, clientmodules 114, or other components or devices of the system 100 arecommunicatively coupled with the interface gateway device 112. By“communicatively coupled,” it is meant that two devices, systems,subsystems, assemblies, modules, components, and the like, are joined byone or more wired or wireless communication links, such as by one ormore conductive (e.g., copper) wires, cables, or buses; wirelessnetworks; fiber optic cables, and the like. When the interface gatewaydevice 112 determines that a data acquisition module 110, client module114, or other component or device is so coupled with the interfacegateway device 112, the interface gateway device 112 may automaticallyload the corresponding communication configuration into the interfacegateway device 112. By “load,” it is meant that the interface gatewaydevice 112 obtains the communication settings of the communicationconfiguration and uses the settings to communicate with the dataacquisition module 110, client module 114, or other component or device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interface gateway device 112 inaccordance with one embodiment. The interface gateway device 112 mayinclude a hardware and/or software system that operates to perform oneor more functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface gatewaydevice 112 includes a processor 200 and a computer readable storagemedium, or a memory 202, that perform various functions describedherein. Alternatively, the interface gateway device 112 may includeseveral modules that operate to cause the processor 200 to performvarious functions described herein. For example, the interface gatewaydevice 112 can be programmed or installed onto the memory 202 or intothe processor 200 instead of including the processor 200 and/or memory202. The processor 200 can include a microprocessor, controller, orequivalent control circuitry. The memory 202 can include a tangible andnon-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a physicaldevice that stores data on a temporary or permanent basis for use by theprocessor 200. The memory 202 may include one or more volatile and/ornon-volatile memory devices, such as random access memory (RAM), staticrandom access memory (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), another type of RAM,read only memory (ROM), flash memory, magnetic storage devices (e.g.,hard discs, floppy discs, or magnetic tapes), optical discs, and thelike.

The modules of the interface gateway device 112 include a monitoringmodule 210. The monitoring module 210 monitors one or more input/outputports of the interface gateway device 112 to determine when a device,such as a data acquisition module 110 or a client module 114, iscommunicatively coupled with the interface gateway device 112. Forexample, the data acquisition modules 110 and/or the client modules 114may include electrical connectors 204, 206, 208 that mate withinput/output ports 300, 302, 304 (shown in FIG. 3) of the interfacegateway device 112 to communicatively couple the data acquisitionmodules 110 and the client modules 114 with the interface gateway device112.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 is another schematicillustration of the interface gateway device 112 in accordance with oneembodiment. The illustration of FIG. 3 may show a portion of an exteriorhousing 306 of the interface gateway device 112. The interface gatewaydevice 112 includes the input/output ports 300, 302, 304 disposed on thehousing 306. The ports 300, 302, 304 represent electrical connectors,such as electrical receptacles or plugs, that physically mate (e.g.,receive or are inserted into) with the connectors 204, 206, 208 of thedata acquisition modules 110 and the client modules 114 to communicateelectronic messages therebetween.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ports 300 include Ethernet jacks 300a, 300 b that are shaped to receive an Ethernet plug. For example, theports 300 may receive one or more of the connectors 204, 206, 208 thatis an Ethernet plug, such as an 8P8C plug, a 6P6C plug, a 6P4C plug, a4P4C plug, and the like. Alternatively, one or more of the ports 300 mayinclude an Ethernet plug and one or more of the connectors 204, 206, 208may include an Ethernet jack. In another embodiment, connectors otherthan Ethernet jacks and plugs are used for the ports 300 and one or moreof the connectors 204, 206, 208.

The ports 302 include serial receptacles 302 a, 302 b that are shaped toreceive a serial connector plug in the illustrated embodiment. Forexample, the ports 302 may receive one or more of the connectors 204,206, 208 that is serial plug, such as an RS 232 plug, an RS 422 plug, orthe like. The ports 302 include conductive receptacles 308 that receiveconductive pin of the serial plugs to conductively couple the ports 302with one or more of the connectors 204, 206, 208. Alternatively, one ormore of the ports 302 may include a serial plug and one or more of theconnectors 204, 206, 208 may include a serial receptacle. In anotherembodiment, connectors other than serial receptacles and plugs are usedfor the ports 302 and one or more of the connectors 204, 206, 208. Theports 304 include serial plugs 304 a, 304 b, 304 c, 304 d that areshaped to be received in a serial receptacle. For example, the ports 304may include an RS 232 plug, an RS 422 plug, or the like, havingconductive pins 310 that are received in conductive receptacles (such asthe conductive receptacles 308) in one or more of the connectors 204,206, 208.

The number and/or type of input/output ports 300, 302, 304 shown in FIG.3 are provided as examples. A greater or smaller number of theinput/output ports 300, 302, and/or 304 may be provided. Additionally,one or more input/output ports other than the input/output ports 300,302, and/or 304 may be included in the interface gateway device 112.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, one or more of the input/outputports of the interface gateway device 112 that is used to communicatewith one or more of the data acquisition modules 110 and/or the clientmodules 114 is a wireless communication channel. For example, instead ofphysically mating a connector with one or more of the input/output ports300, 302, 304, one or more of the data acquisition modules 110 (such asthe data acquisition module 110 b) and/or the client modules 114 (suchas the client module 114 c) may communicate with the interface gatewaydevice 112 through a wireless communication channel. A wirelesscommunication channel may include one or more frequencies or range offrequencies over which the interface gateway device 112 may wirelesslycommunicate with the data acquisition device 110 and/or the clientmodule 114. The interface gateway device 112 includes an antenna 212that wirelessly communicates (e.g., transmits and/or receives) messagesover one or more wireless communication channels with the dataacquisition module 110 and/or the client module 114.

Returning to the discussion of the interface gateway device 112 shown inFIG. 2, the monitoring module 210 monitors one or more of theinput/output ports of the interface gateway device 112 to determine whena device, such as a data acquisition module 110 or a client module 114,is communicatively coupled with the interface gateway device 112. Withrespect to the physical input/output ports 300, 302, 304 (e.g., theports that include plugs inserted into receptacles, receptacles thatreceive plugs, fiber optic cables that are disposed close to or touchingeach other, or other connectors that mate with each other), themonitoring module 210 may determine when a conductive connection is madebetween conductors of a connector of a data acquisition module 110 orclient module 114 and a connector of the interface gateway device 112.For example, the monitoring module 210 may determine when a conductivepin of a connector 204, 206, 208 is received in a conductive receptacleof an input/output port 300, 302, 304 in the interface gateway device112, or when a conductive receptacle of the connector 204, 206, 208receives a conductive pin of an input/output port 300, 302, 304. In oneembodiment, the monitoring module 210 determines when a module iscoupled with one or more input/output ports of the interface gatewaydevice 112 by determining when an electric circuit is closed by themating of a connector 204, 206, 208 and an input/output port 300, 302,304.

With respect to wireless communication links, the monitoring module 210can monitor one or more wireless communication channels to determinewhen a data acquisition module 110 and/or a client module 114 iscommunicatively coupled with the interface gateway device 112. Forexample, the monitoring module 210 may scan through a plurality offrequencies or wireless communication channels over the antenna 212 todetermine which, if any, of the communication channels are being used tocommunicate data with the interface gateway device 112.

An identification module 214 determines which device is communicativelycoupled with the interface gateway device 112. For example, once themonitoring module 210 determines that a data acquisition module 110and/or a client module 114 is physically coupled or wirelessly coupledwith an input/output port (physical port or wireless port/communicationchannel) of the interface gateway device 112, the identification module214 may identify a type of data acquisition module 110 or client module114 that is coupled with the interface gateway device 112. A “type” ofdata acquisition module 110 or client module 114 can include a categoryor group of data acquisition modules 110 or client modules 114 that usethe same communication configurations described above. In oneembodiment, a type of data acquisition module 110 or client module 114can include a category or group of data acquisition modules 110 orclient modules 114 that acquire one or more of the same data,communicate one or more of the same messages or use the same messageformats, request one or more of the same data parameters, provide one ormore of the same functions for the vehicle 102 (shown in FIG. 1),monitor one or more of the same operations of the vehicle 102, and thelike.

In one embodiment, the identification module 214 may identify which dataacquisition module 110 or client module 114 is communicatively coupledwith an input/output port of the interface gateway device 112 byexamining data communicated from the data acquisition module 110 orclient module 114 to the interface gateway device 112 through theinput/output port. For example, the data acquisition module 110 orclient module 114 may transmit one or more messages that includeidentifying information to the interface gateway device 112 through theinput/output port. The messages can include identifying information suchas an address (e.g., IP address) or an alphanumeric bitstring that isunique to the data acquisition module 110, the client module 114, or agroup or type of data acquisition modules 110 or client modules 114. Forexample, the messages communicated from the data acquisition module 110or client module 114 may include header frames having identifyinginformation of the module 110, 114 that transmitted the message.

In another embodiment, the input/output port 300, 302, 304 to which thedata acquisition module 110 or client module 114 is mated and/or theconnector 204, 206, 208 of the data acquisition module 110 or clientmodule 114 may include keying features that permit a subset of the dataacquisition modules 110 or client modules 114 to use the port 300, 302,304. For example, and as shown in FIG. 3, the different ports 300, 302,304 may have different shapes such that a subset of the connectors 204,206, 208 are shaped to mate with the ports 300, 302, 304. The subset ofthe connectors 204, 206, 208 that can mate with the ports 300, 302, 304may have complimentary shapes to the ports 300, 302, 304 while otherconnectors 204, 206, 208 do not have complimentary shapes. Thecomplimentary shaped connectors 204, 206, 208 and ports 300, 302, 304can mate with each other while non-complimentary shaped connectors 204,206, 208 and ports 300, 302, 304 may not be able to mate with eachother. In one embodiment, the keying features can include one or moreprotrusions, slots, receptacles, or other features that compliment eachother such that some connectors 204, 206, 208 and ports 300, 302, 304are able to mate with each other while other connectors 204, 206, 208and ports 300, 302, 304 are unable to mate with each other. Theidentification module 214 can determine which data acquisition module110 or client module 114 is mated which the port 300, 302, 304 when thedata acquisition module 110 or client module 114 mates with the port300, 302, 304. For example, if the keying features only permit one typeof the data acquisition module 110 or client module 114 to mate with aparticular port 300, 302, 304, then the identification module 214 canidentify the data acquisition module 110 or client module 114 when thedata acquisition module 110 or client module 114 mates with the port300, 302, 304.

A configuration module 216 of the interface gateway device 112determines the communication configurations for the data acquisitionmodules 110 and/or the client modules 114 that are communicativelycoupled with the interface gateway device 112. In one embodiment, oncethe monitoring module 210 determines that the data acquisition module110 or client module 114 is coupled with the interface gateway device112 and the identification module 214 identifies which data acquisitionmodule 110 or client module 114 is coupled with the interface gatewaydevice 112, the configuration module 216 obtains the configurationsettings for the corresponding data acquisition modules 110 and/orclient modules 114. For example, the configuration module 216 mayretrieve the settings for the communication configuration associatedwith the data acquisition modules 110 and client modules 114 from thememory 202.

As described above, the communication configuration associated with adata acquisition module 110 or client module 114 may specify the rulesand/or procedures for communicating messages between the dataacquisition module 110 or client module 114 and the interface gatewaydevice 112. The configuration module 216 may load the communicationconfigurations for the data acquisition module 110 or client module 114by conveying the communication configuration settings to a communicationmodule 218 described below.

An update module 220 can obtain the communication configurations fordata acquisition modules 110 and/or client modules 114 that are notstored on the memory 202. For example, if the communicationconfiguration for the data acquisition module 110 or client module 114is not stored on the memory 202, the update module 220 may acquire thecommunication configuration for the data acquisition module 110 orclient module 114. The update module 220 can acquire the communicationconfiguration by querying an off-board device (e.g., a computer having awireless transmitter or antenna) for the communication configuration.The off-board device may transmit the communication configuration to theupdate module 220 via the antenna 212. Alternatively, an on-board device(e.g., a computer device or other memory disposed on the vehicle 102shown in FIG. 1) may provide the communication configuration to theupdate module 220. The update module 220 may store the communicationconfiguration on the memory 202 and/or convey the communicationconfiguration to the configuration module 216.

The communication module 218 receives the communication configurationfrom the memory 202, the configuration module 216, or the update module216 and uses the communication configuration to control thecommunication of messages to and/or from the interface gateway device112 with the data acquisition modules 110 and/or client modules 114 thatare communicatively coupled with the interface gateway device 112. Asdescribed above, the communication configurations can specify theparameters and settings used by the communication module 218 tocommunicate data messages with the data acquisition modules 110 and/orclient modules 114. The communication module 218 may concurrently usedifferent communication configurations with different data acquisitionmodules 110 and/or client modules 114.

In another embodiment, upon application start (or commencement ofoperation of interface gateway device 112 (or similar device) starts allof its internal applications which correspond to every system and orsubsystem with which the interface gateway device 112 is capable ofcommunicating. For example, the interface gateway device 112 may begininternal algorithms, software applications, and the like, that permit orcontrol communication between the interface gateway device 112 and everysource 110 and/or client 114 with which the interface gateway device 112is configured or is capable of communicating. The interface gatewaydevice 112 attempts to establish communications via a handshakingprocess or other similar method using the input/output port 300, 302,304. The interface gateway device 112 monitors the input/output port300, 302, 304 in an order to determine if the correct response isreceived from the source 110 and/or client 114 connected to theinput/output port 300, 302, 304. For example, during the handshakingprocess, the interface gateway device 112 may transmit one or moresignals to a source 110 or client 114 through a correspondinginput/output port 300, 302, 304. The source 110 or client 114 may theneither respond with a designated confirmation response (e.g., confirmingthe handshake connection between the interface gateway device 112 andthe source 110 or client 114), respond with a response that differs fromthe confirmation response (e.g., notifying that the handshake connectionis not confirmed or established), or may not provide any response.

If the correct response (e.g., the designated confirmation response) isreceived from the source 110 or client 114, the interface gateway device112 declares that communications with the source 110 or client 114 areestablished. The interface gateway device 112 adds that source 110 orclient 114 to a list of connected devices that is maintained by theinterface gateway device 112. If no response or an incorrect response isreceived (e.g., the confirmation response is not received or a differentresponse is received), then the interface gateway device 112 may try toestablish communication with another source 110 or client 114 on thesame input/output port 300, 302, 304. The interface gateway device 112may sequentially cycle through a list of sources 110 and/or clients 114that may be connected to the input/output port 300, 302, 304 until thedesignated confirmation response is received or all sources 110 and/orclients 114 in the list have been attempted without receiving thedesignated confirmation response. Alternatively, the interface gatewaydevice 112 may move on to the next input/output port 300, 302, 304 andrepeat the process described above. Once the interface gateway device112 establishes a list of all the connected sources 110 and/or clients114 (or other devices), the interface gateway device 112 applies theappropriate internal configuration files. This permits the interfacegateway device 112 to provide the functionality defined for that systemand or subsystem.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 400 forcommunicating data in a vehicle. The method 400 may be used inconjunction with one or more embodiments of the system 100 (shown inFIG. 1) described above. For example, the method 400 may be used with asystem in a vehicle that acquires values of data parameters and sends orpublishes the values of the data parameters to one or more clientmodules to permit the client modules to perform one or more functionsrelated to the vehicle.

At 402, one or more input/output ports are monitored to determine if acommunication link is established. For example, the input/output ports300, 302, 304 (shown in FIG. 3) and/or one or more wirelesscommunication channels may be monitored to determine when a dataacquisition module 110 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or a client module 114(shown in FIG. 1) is physically mated to one or more of the ports 300,302, 304 and/or is communicatively coupled with the interface gatewaydevice 112 (shown in FIG. 1) via a wireless communication channel.

At 404, a determination is made as to whether a communication link isdetected. For example, a determination may be made as to whether aconnector 204, 206, 208 (shown in FIG. 2) of a data acquisition module110 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or a client module 114 (shown in FIG. 1) ismated with an input/output port 300, 302, 304 (shown in FIG. 3) of theinterface gateway device 112 (shown in FIG. 1). As another example, adetermination may be made as to whether a data acquisition module 110and/or a client module 114 is wirelessly transmitting data to theinterface gateway device 112 via one or more communication channels. Ifa communication link is detected, flow of the method 400 may continue to406. On the other hand, if no communication link is detected, flow ofthe method 400 may return to 402.

At 406, an identity of the device that is communicatively coupled viathe communication link is determined. For example, the interface gatewaydevice 112 (shown in FIG. 1) may determine which of the acquisition datamodules 110 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or client modules 114 (shown inFIG. 1) is communicatively coupled with the interface gateway device112. The identity of the acquisition data module 110 and/or clientmodule 114 may be the identity of a group or type of acquisition datamodules 110 and/or client modules 114, as described above.

At 408, a determination is made as to whether the communicationconfiguration for the communicatively coupled device is available. Forexample, the interface gateway device 112 (shown in FIG. 1) maydetermine if a communication configuration file associated with theidentified data acquisition module 110 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or clientmodule 114 (shown in FIG. 1) is stored on the memory 202 (shown in FIG.2) disposed on-board the vehicle 102 (shown in FIG. 1). If thecommunication configuration for the identified device is not available,then the communication configuration may need to be acquired in order toconfigure the communications with the identified device. As a result,flow of the method 400 may continue to 410. On the other hand, if thecommunication configuration for the identified device is available, thenflow of the method 400 may proceed to 412.

At 410, the communication configuration for the identified device isobtained. For example, the interface gateway device 112 (shown inFIG. 1) may wirelessly download the communication configuration from acomputer device disposed off-board the vehicle 102 (shown in FIG. 1) viathe antenna 212 (shown in FIG. 2). Alternatively, the interface gatewaydevice 112 may download the communication configuration from a computerdevice disposed on-board the vehicle 102.

At 412, the communication configuration for the identified device isimplemented. For example, the settings, protocols, formats, and thelike, that are used to communicate data messages with the identifieddevice are used by the interface gateway device 112 (shown in FIG. 1) tocommunicate with the identified device. The interface gateway device 112may use different communication configurations for different dataacquisition modules 110 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or client modules 114(shown in FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, a plurality of different communication configurationsis stored in a common location, such as on the memory 202 (shown in FIG.2). The interface gateway device 112 (shown in FIG. 1) may select andimplement (e.g., put into use for communication) the communicationconfiguration applicable to the identified data acquisition module 110(shown in FIG. 1) or client module 114 (shown in FIG. 1).

In another embodiment, a data communication system for a vehicleincludes an interface gateway device that is configured to becommunicatively coupled with a data acquisition module and a clientmodule. The interface gateway device is further configured to receive avalue of a data parameter related to operation of the vehicle from thedata acquisition module and to communicate the value to the clientmodule for performing a function for the vehicle. The interface gatewaydevice also is configured to determine when either of the dataacquisition module or the client module is communicatively coupled withthe interface gateway device and to implement respective communicationconfigurations associated with the data acquisition module or the clientmodule to receive the value of the data parameter from the dataacquisition module or communicate the value of the data parameter to theclient module.

In another aspect, the interface gateway device is configured tocommunicate the value of the data parameter to the client module for theclient module to use the value of the data parameter to control at leastone of tractive effort or braking effort provided by the vehicle.

In another aspect, the interface gateway device is configured todetermine when either of the data acquisition module or the clientmodule is physically mated with one or more input/output ports of theinterface gateway device.

In another aspect, the interface gateway device is configured todetermine when either of the data acquisition module or the clientmodule is communicatively coupled with the interface gateway device by awireless communication link.

In another aspect, the interface gateway device is configured todetermine an identity of either of the data acquisition module or theclient module that is communicatively coupled with the interface gatewaydevice.

In another aspect, the interface gateway device is configured to selectat least one of a plurality of communication configurations from acomputer readable storage medium for use in communicating with the dataacquisition module or the client module based on the identity.

In another aspect, the communication configurations specify differentcommunication protocols used to communicate with different dataacquisition modules or different client modules.

In another embodiment, a data communication system for a vehicle isprovided. The system includes an interface gateway device that isconfigured to be communicatively coupled with a data acquisition moduleand with a client module. The interface gateway device is furtherconfigured to receive a value of a data parameter related to operationof the vehicle from the data acquisition module and to communicate thevalue to the client module for performing a function for the vehicle.The interface gateway device also is configured, upon systeminitialization of the interface gateway device, to cycle through aplurality of communication protocols available to the interface gatewaydevice, at each of a plurality of communication links of the interfacegateway device, until the interface gateway device has determined thatthe data acquisition module and the client module are communicativelycoupled with the interface gateway device and has identified first andsecond communication protocols of the plurality of communicationprotocols that enable the interface gateway device to communicate withthe data acquisition module and the client module, respectively.

In another embodiment, a method for communicating data in a vehicle isprovided. The method includes monitoring one or more input/output portsfor a communication link with a device, determining an identity of thedevice that is communicatively coupled with the one or more input/outputports by the communication link, selecting a communication configurationassociated with the device based on the identity of the device, andusing the communication configuration to communicate with the device.

In another aspect, the device includes one or more of a data acquisitionmodule or a client module, and the method further comprises one or moreof the data acquisition module acquiring values of data parametersrelated to operations of the vehicle or the client module performing oneor more functions for the vehicle based on the values of the dataparameters.

In another aspect, the method further comprises the client modulecontrolling at least one of tractive effort or braking effort of thevehicle based on the values of the data parameters.

In another aspect, the monitoring step includes determining when thedevice is physically mated with the one or more input/output ports.

In another aspect, the monitoring step includes determining when thedevice is communicatively coupled with the one or more input/outputports by a wireless communication link.

In another aspect, the selecting step includes selecting thecommunication configuration from a plurality of communicationconfigurations stored on a computer readable storage medium based on theidentity of the device.

In another aspect, the communication configurations specify differentcommunication protocols used to communicate with different devices.

In another embodiment, a computer readable storage medium for a vehiclehaving a processor is provided. The computer readable storage mediumincludes one or more sets of instructions that direct the processor tomonitor one or more input/output ports for a communication link with adevice, determine an identity of the device that is communicativelycoupled with the one or more input/output ports by the communicationlink, select a communication configuration associated with the devicebased on the identity of the device, and communicate with the deviceaccording to the communication configuration.

In another aspect, the computer readable storage medium is a tangibleand non-transitory computer readable storage medium. For example, thecomputer readable storage medium may not be a transient electric orelectromagnetic signal.

In another aspect, the one or more sets of instructions direct theprocessor to at least one of receive values of data parameters relatedto operations of the vehicle from a data acquisition module orcommunicate one or more of the values to a client module so that theclient module performs one or more functions for the vehicle based onthe values of the data parameters.

In another aspect, the one or more sets of instructions direct theprocessor to communicate values of data parameters related to operationsof the vehicle to the client module so that the client module controlsat least one of tractive effort or braking effort of the vehicle basedon the values of the data parameters.

In another aspect, the one or more sets of instructions direct theprocessor to determine when the device is physically mated with the oneor more input/output ports.

In another aspect, the one or more sets of instructions direct theprocessor to determine when the device is communicatively coupled withthe processor by a wireless communication link.

In another aspect, the one or more sets of instructions direct theprocessor to select the communication configuration from a plurality ofcommunication configurations stored on the computer readable storagemedium based on the identity of the device.

In another aspect, the communication configurations specify differentcommunication protocols used to communicate with different devices.

In another embodiment, a data communication system for a vehicle isprovided. The system includes a data acquisition module, a clientmodule, and an interface gateway module. The data acquisition module isconfigured to obtain a value of a data parameter related to operation ofthe vehicle. The client module is configured to use the value of thedata parameter to perform a function for the vehicle. The interfacegateway device is configured to be communicatively coupled with at leastone of the data acquisition module or the client module by one or morecommunication links. The interface gateway device is further configuredto communicate the value from the data acquisition module to the clientmodule. The interface gateway device also is configured to determinewhen the at least one of the data acquisition module or the clientmodule is communicatively coupled with the interface gateway device andto implement a communication configuration associated with the at leastone of the data acquisition module or the client module to communicatethe value of the data parameter to the at least one of the dataacquisition module or the client module.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matterdescribed herein without departing from its scope. While the dimensionsand types of materials described herein are intended to define theparameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are by no meanslimiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The scope of the inventive subject matter should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, thelimitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statementof function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodimentsof the inventive subject matter, including the best mode, and also toenable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodimentsof inventive subject matter, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and may includeother examples that occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the presentinventive subject matter will be better understood when read inconjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that the figuresillustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, thefunctional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division betweenhardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functionalblocks (for example, processors or memories) may be implemented in asingle piece of hardware (for example, a general purpose signalprocessor, microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk, and thelike). Similarly, the programs may be stand alone programs, may beincorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions inan installed software package, and the like. The various embodiments arenot limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in thedrawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralof said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present inventivesubject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding theexistence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recitedfeatures. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary,embodiments “comprising,” “including,” or “having” an element or aplurality of elements having a particular property may includeadditional such elements not having that property.

Since certain changes may be made in the above-described systems andmethods, without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventivesubject matter herein involved, it is intended that all of the subjectmatter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventiveconcept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the inventivesubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data communication system for a vehicle withina vehicle consist including the vehicle and at least one other vehiclethat are mechanically linked to travel together along a route, thesystem comprising: an interface gateway device configured to becommunicatively coupled with a data acquisition module and a clientmodule, wherein the interface gateway device is further configured toreceive a value of a data parameter related to operation of the vehiclefrom the data acquisition module and to communicate the value to theclient module for performing a function for the vehicle; wherein theinterface gateway device is configured to determine when either of thedata acquisition module or the client module is communicatively coupledwith the interface gateway device and to implement respectivecommunication configurations associated with the data acquisition moduleor the client module to receive the value of the data parameter from thedata acquisition module or communicate the value of the data parameterto the client module, and wherein the interface gateway device isconfigured to be disposed onboard the vehicle consist.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the interface gateway device is configured tocommunicate the value of the data parameter to the client module for theclient module to use the value of the data parameter to control at leastone of tractive effort or braking effort provided by the vehicle.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the interface gateway device is configured todetermine when either of the data acquisition module or the clientmodule is physically mated with one or more input/output ports of theinterface gateway device.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theinterface gateway device is configured to determine when either of thedata acquisition module or the client module is communicatively coupledwith the interface gateway device by a wireless communication link. 5.The system of claim 1, wherein the interface gateway device isconfigured to determine an identity of either of the data acquisitionmodule or the client module that is communicatively coupled with theinterface gateway device.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein theinterface gateway device is configured to select at least one of aplurality of communication configurations from a computer readablestorage medium for use in communicating with the data acquisition moduleor the client module based on the identity.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the communication configurations specify different communicationprotocols used to communicate with different data acquisition modules ordifferent client modules.
 8. A data communication system for a vehiclewithin a vehicle consist including the vehicle and at least one othervehicle that are mechanically linked to travel together along a route,the system comprising: an interface gateway device configured to becommunicatively coupled with a data acquisition module and with a clientmodule, wherein the interface gateway device is further configured toreceive a value of a data parameter related to operation of the vehiclefrom the data acquisition module and to communicate the value to theclient module for performing a function for the vehicle; wherein theinterface gateway device is configured, upon system initialization ofthe interface gateway device, to cycle through a plurality ofcommunication protocols available to the interface gateway device, ateach of a plurality of communication links of the interface gatewaydevice, until the interface gateway device has determined that the dataacquisition module and the client module are communicatively coupledwith the interface gateway device and has identified first and secondcommunication protocols of the plurality of communication protocols thatenable the interface gateway device to communicate with the dataacquisition module and the client module, respectively, wherein theinterface gateway device is configured to be disposed onboard thevehicle consist.
 9. A method for communicating data in a vehicle withina vehicle consist including the vehicle and at least one other vehiclethat are mechanically linked to travel together along a route, themethod comprising: monitoring one or more input/output ports for acommunication link with a device, the device including one or more of adata acquisition module or a client module, wherein the data acquisitionmodule and the client module are disposed onboard the vehicle consist;determining an identity of the device that is communicatively coupledwith the one or more input/output ports by the communication link;selecting a communication configuration associated with the device basedon the identity of the device; using the communication configuration tocommunicate with the device; and one or more of the data acquisitionmodule acquiring values of data parameters related to operations of thevehicle or the client module performing one or more functions for thevehicle based on the values of the data parameters.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the method further comprises the client modulecontrolling at least one of tractive effort or braking effort of thevehicle based on the values of the data parameters.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the monitoring step includes determining when thedevice is physically mated with the one or more input/output ports. 12.The method of claim 9, wherein the monitoring step includes determiningwhen the device is communicatively coupled with the one or moreinput/output ports by a wireless communication link.
 13. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the selecting step includes selecting the communicationconfiguration from a plurality of communication configurations stored ona computer readable storage medium based on the identity of the device.14. The method of claim 13, wherein the communication configurationsspecify different communication protocols used to communicate withdifferent devices.
 15. A computer readable storage medium for a vehiclehaving one or more processors, wherein a vehicle consist includes thevehicle and at least one other vehicle that are mechanically linked totravel together along a route, the computer readable storage mediumincluding one or more sets of instructions that direct the one or moreprocessors to: monitor one or more input/output ports for acommunication link with a device, the device including at least one of adata acquisition module or a client module, wherein the data acquisitionmodule and the client module are disposed onboard the vehicle consist;determine an identity of the device that is communicatively coupled withthe one or more input/output ports by the communication link; select acommunication configuration associated with the device based on theidentity of the device; and communicate with the device according to thecommunication configuration by at least one of receiving values of dataparameters related to operations of the vehicle from the dataacquisition module or communicating one or more of the values to theclient module so that the client module performs one or more functionsfor the vehicle based on the values of the data parameters.
 16. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the one or moresets of instructions direct the one or more processors to communicatevalues of data parameters related to operations of the vehicle to theclient module so that the client module controls at least one oftractive effort or braking effort of the vehicle based on the values ofthe data parameters.
 17. The computer readable storage medium of claim15, wherein the one or more sets of instructions direct the one or moreprocessors to determine when the device is physically mated with the oneor more input/output ports.
 18. The computer readable storage medium ofclaim 15, wherein the one or more sets of instructions direct the one ormore processors to determine when the device is communicatively coupledwith the processor by a wireless communication link.
 19. The computerreadable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the one or more sets ofinstructions direct the one or more processors to select thecommunication configuration from a plurality of communicationconfigurations stored on the computer readable storage medium based onthe identity of the device.
 20. The computer readable storage medium ofclaim 19, wherein the communication configurations specify differentcommunication protocols used to communicate with different devices. 21.A data communication system for a vehicle within a vehicle consistincluding the vehicle and at least one other vehicle that aremechanically linked to travel together along a route, the systemcomprising: a data acquisition module configured to obtain a value of adata parameter related to operation of the vehicle; a client moduleconfigured to use the value of the data parameter to perform a functionfor the vehicle; and an interface gateway device configured to becommunicatively coupled with at least one of the data acquisition moduleor the client module by one or more communication links, the interfacegateway device further configured to communicate the value from the dataacquisition module to the client module; wherein the interface gatewaydevice is configured to determine when the at least one of the dataacquisition module or the client module is communicatively coupled withthe interface gateway device and to implement a communicationconfiguration associated with the at least one of the data acquisitionmodule or the client module to communicate the value of the dataparameter to the at least one of the data acquisition module or theclient module, wherein the data acquisition module, the client module,and the interface gateway device are configured to be disposed onboardthe vehicle consist.